Effects of adult sexual assault types and tactics on cognitive appraisals and mental health symptoms
Publication Date
2008
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Milner, Joel S.||Thomsen, Cynthia
Degree Name
Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)
Legacy Department
Department of Psychology
LCSH
Rape--Psychological aspects
Abstract
Using a modified version of the Sexual Experiences Survey, this study examined whether the consequences of adult sexual assault (ASA) vary depending on the type of ASA (contact, attempted intercourse, intercourse) and the tactics used by the perpetrator (arguments and pressure, authority, alcohol and/or drugs, threat or use of physical force). The effects of history of child sexual abuse (CSA) and history of trauma were controlled. College women ( N = 654) completed the modified SES and self-report measures of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, rape-related fear, self-blame, self-efficacy, and shame/guilt. Intercourse was associated with the highest symptom levels of any form of ASA, and attempted intercourse was associated with the lowest symptom levels. Effects of tactics were generally stronger than the effects of ASA type, and tactic effects differed across outcome variables. Attempted intercourse, compared to intercourse, was associated with greater self-efficacy for ASA situations. ASA involving force was associated with the lowest levels of anxiety, depression, and self-blame but the second-highest levels of PTSD after controlling for history of CSA and history of trauma. There were no differences among ASA tactics for fear or shame/guilt. Implications for theory, research, and treatment are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Zayed, Maha H., "Effects of adult sexual assault types and tactics on cognitive appraisals and mental health symptoms" (2008). Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations. 2753.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allgraduate-thesesdissertations/2753
Extent
xiii, 275 pages
Language
eng
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
Comments
Includes bibliographical references (pages [220]-227).